The principal of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, Akwa Ibom State, Dr NSE Sunday Umoh, has been suspended following an alleged poor feeding of students of the school.
The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, who announced this in a statement in Uyo on Saturday, said the suspension was in the wake of a viral video where the students were seen eating unpalatable and non-nutritious meals.
Etiebet, while condemning the act, ordered a full investigation into the incident as well as the state of boarding facilities in the school and the other 25 boarding secondary schools across the state.
She said the review, which will focus on hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menus, kitchens, and sanitary facilities, will be jointly overseen by the permanent secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board.
She said: “Following the very disturbing video where students were fed with unpalatable and innutrious meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, I paid an unscheduled visit to the school. I have directed a comprehensive investigation into the state of boarding facilities in the school and the other 25 boarding secondary schools across the state.
“Consequently, I have also directed the immediate suspension of the principal of the school, Dr NSE Sunday Umoh, pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all public school facilities meet irreducible minimum standards that uphold the well-being of both learners and staff.”
The commissioner said though the free education policy of the state government covers tuition fees only and not boarding fees, the welfare and dignity of all students, especially those in public schools, remain a priority to government, appealing to parents to support their children.
